February 2, 2015 - 20:10
I appreciated the way the description of the different rocks that comprise Bryn Mawr's Campus and the history of Mill Creek demonstrated the direct connection between the economy, the environment, and safety. Due to increased flooding, many of the mills in Mill Creek were destroyed, which was a diverse industrial site that put many out-of-business.
It was interesting to learn about some of the advantages and disadvantages of hydropower. People had to make accomodations depending on the height and flow of the water. The article explained the immense power of water to destroy industries, carve valleys, be a sufficient and effective source of energy, and determine the layout and construction of a town and a city.
Part of the values of homes and estates have to do with their location near fall lines and the altitude at which they reside, which is a large determinant of their security and stability. This means that with the increased effects of climate change, wealthy people are purchasing homes that are faraway from low places, such as cities, so they will be secure and their houses will not be demolished by environmental catastrophes.
I thought it was interesting to learn about the ecological and financial compromises Bryn Mawr made with the township as it was expanding its structures.